Afghanistan: At Least 26 Dead in Kabul Suicide Bombing

The death toll of this morning’s suicide bombing in Kabul amounts to at least 26, according to the Afghan Ministry of the Interior.

Yesterday, on 20 March, was ‘Nowruz’, the Persian New Year; today, near the Sakhi Shrine, in the western part of the Afghan capital, hundreds of people had gathered to celebrate. The explosion occurred near the University.

13 victims were taken to EMERGENCY’s Surgical Centre in Kabul: 10 were admitted, 3 had already passed away.

“It may be New Year’s in Afghanistan, but it’s a day like any other. Another bombing, casualties and injuries. It’s further proof of what we’ve been saying for years: this country is at war and is probably one of the most dangerous in the world. The European Union should think twice about sending back people who tried to escape from this hell”, stated Gino Strada from Kabul.

‘Nowruz’ means ‘new day’ in Farsi, and indicates a new beginning, a new life. But the war in Afghanistan doesn’t leave any room for hope or optimism. The situation in the country is getting worse every month, and Kabul has become the most dangerous district.

The fact that the situation is getting worse was confirmed by institutional sources. The latest report issued by UNAMA, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan, documented 10,453 civilian victims in 2017. Victims of suicide bombings, which amount to 22% of the total number, are on the rise.